But first:

Mark Jansen: “I’m in Turin for a conference, and tonight the hotel bar TVs were tuned not to soccer or sports highlights but to the US congressional impeachment hearings.  I pray the US will once again exemplify the ‘better angels of our nature,’ as our first Republican president described.  The world is watching.”

[…]

Nick Kristoff:  “My column explores the impeachment testimony but also considers: What would happen if President Trump were a high school principal who suspended the police chief’s son and then offered to take the boy back if the police department would investigate his ex-wife before an upcoming child custody hearing?”

Jonathan: “My Fidelity statement […]

As the public impeachment hearings begin today, watch Lindsey Graham make the case for impeachment with clarity, concision, and conviction here and here.

After all: House Republicans took an oath — just as service members do.  Watch their 30-second ads here and here.

If you know a Republican who believes […]

But first . . .

Wrote David Frum some months ago: “This tweet deserves to be quoted forever.”  So it’s not too late:

@spacebnb

Some people think he’s playing chess when actually his aides are trying to keep him from eating the pieces.

(Or you could read the longer version, by Anonymous, shipping next […]

I’ve stopped eating octopus — with considerable regret — and now may have to stop eating other animals as well.

It just doesn’t seem right to eat animals that can pick locks and play video games.

Dogs, meanwhile, may be able to start speaking to us in sentences.  No kidding.  Take a look.

[…]

But first:

Can we put the upcoming impeachment hearings into context?

Congress’s job is to make Americans’ lives better.  So far in 2019, the House has passed bills that would lower prescription drug prices, raise wages, fight government corruption, require universal background checks, provide for paper ballot backups, reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act, prevent […]

But first . . .

Should we be alarmed when a county library board unanimously declares the New York Times fake news?

Or when our President and Republican leadership mock the urgent concerns of 11,000 scientists worldwide?  Should not the prospect of “untold suffering” be a Republican concern?  My Ivy-educated friend Peter inexplicably […]

Only, not a watch: a mechanical boy writing with a quill pen.  (Thanks, Mel!)

I apparently have writer’s block, or am on vacation or something; but not this kid.  Still writing after 279 years.

Oh, and wait.  How great is this Kirkus Review of a Republican operative’s forthcoming book?

. . . […]

But first:

Do you watch Morning Joe?

One of its charming regulars, Donny Deutsch, said something unflattering about Denmark.

This response from an actual Dane is not to be missed.

And now:

Imagine being able to fly anywhere in the world, any time, first-class for the rest of your life — with whatever pal […]